Game 46 Open Thread: May 26, 2007, 6:15 pm CDT

by lboros on May 26, 2007 9:48 AM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News


speigner	thompson
1-0, 6.33	2-1, 4.67

GAME TIME 6:15 pm CDT

ugh. reyes was at his nibbling, maddening worst last night. houstoncardinal kept track of reyes' pitch selection last night with men on base ---- 50 percent fastballs, 50 percent junk. and both halves of the repertoire were getting hit. the leadoff single came off a fat breaking pitch up in the zone --- i'm not sure if it was a changeup or a curve that didn't bite. the next single came off an inside fastball; it wasn't hit hard --- a little flare over the infield --- but kearns overpowered the pitch, rather than vice versa. dmitri young took a first-pitch changeup the other way for a single. and the cruelest blow, nook logan's double, came off a first-pitch fastball. that pitch alone is enough to stir up some doubts about reyes: nook logan, who has a .346 career slugging percentage, pulled reyes' fastball and hit it 360 feet --- his second double off reyes. the gun had that pitch at 89 mph, and it was about belt high; coulda been either a 4-seamer or a 2-seam that didn't sink. it hardly matters. molina was set up inside, but reyes left the pitch over the middle of the plate and paid the price.

after that he was afraid to throw either pitch over the plate, pitched tony batista so carefully you'da thought he was barry bonds. (batista has been released twice in the last 8 months.) after falling behind the subsequent hitter, felipe lopez, 2-0 on two errant changeups, he fired two four-seamers in there but was so messed up he couldn't get either one close to the plate.

maybe it wouldn't make a difference --- maybe he'd get clobbered --- but just once, i'd like to see reyes pitch up in the strike zone when he gets in a jam. i'd like to see him challenge hitters with his best fastball --- 4 seams, 91 to 94 mph --- and see what happens. if he gets mashed, the results could hardly be any worse than what we saw last night. and then we'd have our answer; then we'd know he can't get guys out that way. but we're already getting our answer vis-vis the nibble-with-slop strategy: reyes can't execute it. it's not the right way for him to pitch. for somebody else, maybe so; not for this guy.

here's another thing i've noticed about reyes: seems like every time he pitches, some incredibly frustrating thing occurs after he has left the game to deny the cardinals a win. check this out:

april 16: trailing by 1 in the 9th, the cards load 'em up with 1 out against a struggling salomon torres, with duncan and pujols due up; they both pop out to end the game.
april 27: trailing by 1 in the 8th, the cards put men on 1st and 3d with nobody out and rolen and edmonds due up; they don't score.
may 7: tyler johnson walks home the winning run with 2 outs in the 9th inning.
may 19: a detroit fan touches a live ball in the 9th inning, creating a ground-rule double and forcing the game-tying run to return to 3d base. he never scores.

and then last night, the nationals made 2 or 3 tremendous defensive plays --- most notably kearns' tremendous catch in right field off edmonds' drive --- to blunt the cards' comeback attempt. something has changed: i actually believed the cardinals would find a way to push the runs across and win that game, and i was disappointed when it didn't happen; two weeks ago, i'd have been resigned to defeat after the cardinals fell behind 3-0. edmonds hit two balls to/over the wall in right field; if that continues, the cardinals are going to be much harder to beat.

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Comments

I remain

optimistic about this club (without, I admit, any real reason for said optimism!)

Put down last night's loss to the Nats' several terrific defensive plays (I'm looking at you, Austin Kearns...)

Like lboros, I'd like to see what Reyes could do with the four-seamer above the strike zone... if he can come in with that pitch at 94-95 MPH, it'll get hitters to swing and miss, or pop it up.

If that pitch gets to the plate at 89-92 MPH, though, then LaDuncan is right... he shouldn't throw the four-seamer as his #1 pitch.

Edmonds is showing signs of coming around... now, let's get Scottie going!

One "first-guess" for TLR... how 'bout Yadi in the 4-hole right now?

It's a beautiful day for a ballgame!

by The Ol Goaler on May 26, 2007 10:00 AM EDT reply actions

I think Edmonds against RHP

has hit his way back into the 4 hole. Juan runs hot and cold. Some games he'll make decent contact and get us some hits. Other games, he will helpless flail at the ball, like last night on 2-0 counts and pop it up infront of the hometeam dugout.

We aren't very good.

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

post game

after listening to tony after the game last night I think Juan just might have put himself in the doghouse. I don't know if he will be out of the lineup today but I am almost certain he will not bat clean up tonight....I bet Jimmy is in the 4 spot.

2/3rd's of the earth is covered by water, the other third is coverd by Jim Edmonds

by cardsphan04 on May 26, 2007 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Man I love to hear that J Ed is hitting better.

n/t

by sdrone on May 26, 2007 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

I'm a glass is half empty guy so..

I can't understand why "Edmond's is coming around" or "Starting to hit" is floating about. Yes he has hit in a few games but he has 130AB's this year and I see nothing, except a few AB's here and there, that say he is better than his .220 average.

That being said, I have a unwavering loyalty to him above all others on this team. He would play on my team even if he was batting .100. But to look to him to be anymore then a B actor in our season, I think, is going to get you a lot of heart ache.

What do I know? My favorite Card pitcher is Bob Forsch.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, if you want a small sample size

Edmonds last 50 at-bats have seen him put up a .260 batting average, with 2 HRs, 8 RBIs and a double, posting a .721 OPS.

He's also raised his batting average 30 points in the last 20 days.

We aren't very good.

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Small sample size means-

The whole sucks but if you cut it into smaller pieces the world looks great.

It's the entire slice that counts, not leading the league in 2 out doubles, in the 7th inning on Sundays.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

"Last season,

I led this team in ninth-inning doubles in the month of August!"

Sorry, I thought maybe your small sample size example was a reference to Mr. Baseball starring Tom Selleck.
I agree in that I think it's a little early to declare Edmonds to be "back to his old self" or something, but I doubt many would claim that. It is encouraging however. Maybe he just needs to grow a mustache and play in Japan for a while.

by mattybobo on May 26, 2007 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm a Kent Bottenfield guy

RIP: Jack Buck, DK57 & JH32

by gibbons on May 26, 2007 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Fattenfield was my brothers name for him.

He is a cubs fan, sigh.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Well

Don't just look at stats, for one. Have you seen his plate appearances for the last week or so? He looks much more like vintage Edmonds, and his pop in his bat is a hell of a lot better.

By watching him at the beginning of the season compared to now, it's definitely safe to say, at the very least, that he's looking like he's coming around.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 26, 2007 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope you are right.

But every time I see one of his "good" at bats he follows it up with a "Rob Deer" impersonation.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

he's always had those Rob Deer AB's

I'd take a few more to get more bombs deep into RF.

by chuckb on May 26, 2007 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

What I would give for those too...

Middle toe on left foot.
Case of scurvy.
Girlfriend leave me for another woman.
Anything that can be cured with antibiotics.
My Bob Forsch autograph.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions

exactly

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 26, 2007 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions

question...

Larry, are you sure the game starts at 6:15 tonight. I think you are correct but the reason i ask is because in the paper today it said 1:15...anyways just making sure.

Go Cards!

2/3rd's of the earth is covered by water, the other third is coverd by Jim Edmonds

by cardsphan04 on May 26, 2007 12:31 PM EDT reply actions

the p-d

online has it at 6:15 and so does mlb.com

BTW, what the hell's a Speigner? Is it French for, the Cards are in trouble 'cause they've never seen this guy before?

by chuckb on May 26, 2007 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

TV Guide online shows a night game.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

And MLB Extra Innings

shows coverage starting at 6 pm.

by player2bnamedl8r on May 26, 2007 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree with a lot of that

in fact, in making my notes last night while watching Reyes w/ runners on, I scribbled "nibbling" across my paper. I think that's his problem -- he nibbles rather than attacks w/ runners on. To me, though, it was curious that after Duncan's 1st visit he immediately threw some 83 mph pitch (not sure if it was a slow 2 seamer, or a curve that didn't bite, I called it a 2 seamer) that was driven by Guzman for a SAC fly and then after the 2nd threw a curve ball that Young hit for a single. You would have expected a good, solid fastball or change in either circumstance and got neither. It's got to be his confidence, doesn't it? Maybe if a couple of good things happened for him (a 5 run inning, spectacular defensive play, something) things could turn around pretty dramatically. When he's on, he's very good.

As for the comeback, I felt the same way -- that they'd find a way to win. 2 weeks ago, I'd have given up so that's progress. Edmonds really drove the ball twice -- once on the homer and once on the spectacular play by Kearns. There's progress being made on offense.

by chuckb on May 26, 2007 12:33 PM EDT reply actions

Great commentary

I applaud your analysis--no one in the press is doing anythiing as illuminating as today's and yesterday's posts to help viewers see Reyes' problems (I read this morning that he has not won a national league game since September 3, 2006).

My great concern right now is that TLR, Duncan, and Reyes are in deep denial. They seem to be taking refuge in the "bad luck" theory. And they aren't interested in looking at what might be going wrong or with experimenting with new directions.

In stark contrast to his treatment of Wainwright and Wells, TLR bent over backwards not to criticize Reyes. TLR's description of Reyes' performance last night: "The innings he shut them out, he pitched great. The two innings, he didn't get away with anything." What about Nick Logan's double? "The guy hits a first-pitch fastball.... Just give the hitter credit." And what has TLR's response been to Reyes' performance this year? "I've complimented him profusely. He's really handled [losing] well." And what could be done to help Reyes? "If we would have scored six for him, that's one way,.... He had two bad innings they hammered him. But, he's an important part of our rotation."

And finally, what was the one thing that really ticked off TLR in the entire game? Juan Encarnacion not stretching a second base to a third base run, even though ultimately it would have made no difference, since that play was followed by two outs. In fact, TLR slapped Juan with the ultimate insult: "That's not Cardinal baseball." Juan E's cautious decision was the most "irritating" thing to TLR? What about walking five guys? What about falling apart every time someone gets on base? What about quality and placement of pitches?

I'm hopeful that the team is finally getting to where we expect them to be and that they have a good chance of stringing together wins. But I'm afraid that TLR has lost his perspective and may jeopardize their chances. I fear that a fractured power struggle is developing in the team. Jimmy Ballgame was publicly chastized recently about his outfielding but Eckstein, Kennedy, and Pujols have, to my knowledge, made more fielding errors (with no negative comments from TLR). Wells and Wainwright did have a number of quality starts before imploding for a number of games and have both recovered, at least for now. But they, according to TLR, are the ones with major pitching problems (TLR implied head problems for both). Reyes--he just needs the team to support him more and be "complimented profusely" by the manager and coach.

Sorry for the long post. But I'm so frustrated to see the team working hard, bringing in runs, and a manager who refuses to see the most basic problem of one of his pitchers. He just tuns his frustration on other people on the team.

by nycardfan on May 26, 2007 12:38 PM EDT reply actions

In the past

people have always complained that LaRussa's been too hard on Reyes. I don't think they're in denial. To me, Reyes' biggest problem right now is a lack of confidence and their comments indicate that they don't want to pile on. How is he going to regain that confidence if the manager and pitching coach are beating him up in the press. Juan's a different animal altogether. You're comparing apples to oranges, IMO.

And I disagree that LaRussa implied "head problems" with Wainwright. I haven't seen any indication of bad treatment by LaRussa of Wainwright. There was some confusion about how sore his elbow was but LaRussa's quote was something to the effect of "we had a discussion and worked it out" or something like that. I don't think he's been run down in the media by LaRussa. Wells is a veteran and needs to get it together.

by chuckb on May 26, 2007 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

It seems hypocritical but it's not...

La Russa in each of these instances isn't criticizing the player's results, he's criticizing the player's willingness to "play ball" the way they're coached up. Criticizing Reyes for last night's gruesome outing would be tantamount to criticizing Duncan for his gameplan, which he has never done in the press, to my knowledge. After all, all Reyes did was throw the pitches that were called.

by taiko on May 26, 2007 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions

So basically

we can take this as proof that Reyes is following Duncan's gameplan...

Correct me if I'm wrong, but weren't his results better when he was in the doghouse for not following the plan? He still needed work, but he wasn't this bad...

by sgfcards on May 26, 2007 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Some responses

To the first reply about TLR not implying that Wainwright had "head problems". Literally speaking, you are right. But TLR did say that Wainwright had major problems with pitching and that those problems were not physical. He also said in other interviews that Wainwright needed to mature emotionally and that he had focus problems. All these are legitimate, but they point beyond just mere mechanics to some sort of "head problems." And to many people, including some posters on this site, there was a not so subtle suggestion that Wainwright was lying when he gave what TLR said were "inconsistent" accounts about his arm. I was angered at the way TLR hauled Wainwright into his office and afterwards made him toe TLR's line in front of the press. When Wainwright came out of the meeting and said "I know what's wrong with me" and wouldn't elaborate, I did not take that as a sign that they were on the same page. I think they've handled Wainwright poorly. As far as I can tell, the only one who has really helped Wainwright get out of his slump is Edmonds.

As to the second point made. You're right that the game plan may have been part of the problem but Reyes failed to execute it. And I think that failure can be correlated to having runners on base. If we have a pitcher who is so fragile that the manager can't admit that he has problems with people on base, then I think they will not be able to fix it.

I know TLR is well loved and I continue to think of him highly. But I also think he's made some bad judgments in the past two weeks and needs to be examined as much as any team member in terms of his possible role in losses. As a post said a few days earlier, maybe we need to keep track of "genuis tony" and "crazy tony". In the last week, the list is kind of lopsided.

by nycardfan on May 26, 2007 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I thought the same thing.

It was on the Rolen grounder up the middle i think, which rolled softly to the CF playing deep. It would have given us first and 3rd with one out, down by a run IIRC (don't have time to check). I was pretty steamed about it.

Unless Enc was playing standing on the line in RF, I also think he should have caught that 2-run double. It was an easier play that Kearns catch, Enc is faster than kearns, and Enc plays very deep; nothing should ever get over his head.

Don't Panic!!!

by SleepyCA on May 26, 2007 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Larry, part of the reason you probably thought

we could push those runs across is this stat line:

MV3
6/11 3R 2HR 3RBI 1BB

It's nice to see that kind of hitting from those 3 again.

We aren't very good.

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 12:52 PM EDT reply actions

Which if not for Austin Kearns would have read

MV3
7/11 5R 2HR 1 2B 5RBI 1BB

CURSE YOU KEARNS!

We aren't very good.

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Couple of things

Scott hit the ball about as hard as you can but just at the LF. He's a couple games/weeks behind Jimmy. That's just my opinion I could be wrong.

The thing about the Kearns play. A couple of feet deeper and he goes head first into the wall. Dude could have died making the catch.

Reyes is in the self-fullfilling part of his losing streak. He needs to get to the point where he says "F all of you, if I'm going down it's going to be interesting" and then throw his pitch. Like his hitting teammates before him he is trying not to fail instead of just doing his best.

by Harknights on May 26, 2007 12:58 PM EDT reply actions

I disagree about Rolen

I don't get how he could be behind Edmonds by a day, let alone a week or more. Why? Edmonds had offseason surgery (2 actually) and played in 1 week of spring training. Plus, he's been sort of platooned this season taking away from his playing time and at bats. Not to mention he's had to fully recover from Post Concussion Syndrome.

Rolen, on the other hand, had surgery two offseasons ago and plays every single day.

So, how can he behind Edmonds in "getting it going" this year? There's no excuse.

This is the type of stuff is hear Al Hrabosky say. Last night, he said Rolen "keeps getting closer and closer". Well, it's May 26. At the pace he's going, he MIGHT be back to his regular self about the time his contract expires

by Big Red on May 26, 2007 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Because I live

in the O's/Nats "home" area, I wasn't able to watch the game, but it was just as well. Reyes is giving me the same feelings I got when Julian Tavares was brought into a game; very little good can come out of it. With all due respect, lb, he's not the pitcher people thought he was. IMO, he's become that fat kid in gym class that was always picked last...

by cardsrul on May 26, 2007 1:02 PM EDT reply actions

i wish there was a DL

for the coaching staff. in ten days with another manager/pitching reyes' problem could be fixed or at least become clear

From Curaçao, the friendly island in the Caribbean

by Johnny64 on May 26, 2007 2:21 PM EDT reply actions

"something has changed"

Look at the box score from last night. RBIs by Pujols, Rolen, Edmonds and Eckstein. That's what's changed.

by Valatan on May 26, 2007 2:32 PM EDT reply actions

ok there seems to be a spark

ever since jimmy's comments the offense seems to be coming around. The only problem is the Pitching went into witness relocation. The O has scored 3 or more in every game since may 14th. Which seemed so far out of reach in April. So something is beginning to click.

I don't want to get to encouraged by that cause they should improve against the pirates and nats. And other than last friday they did play detroit pretty hard.

The things I'm hearing are encouraging. The players trying to go that extra mile..even if it gets them out(see rolen and jimmy in pit series).

The begging of the season i read things that made them seem lifeless now it seems there is some life.

Whether or not they can compete the rest of the way remains to be seen. How long can a team wait on It's 3b or CF to return to form?

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 26, 2007 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes this is early but..Contracts

Rolen and Pujols are up 2010 I believe.
If the club struggles the next couple of years what are the odds that Pujols goes else where?

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 4:50 PM EDT reply actions

Stupid to worry about....

Worry about Pujols FA status when his contract is even remotely close to being up, as of now, it isn't.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on May 26, 2007 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually stupid people worry when it's too late.

I was trying to start a discussion. Not insult people like you.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Hmmmm

I think 'stupid' may have been a little unnecessary there but seriously, it seems pointless to wonder right now if we still suck 3 more years down the line, if 2 of the players will leave. We've been really bad for 2 months this season (although uneven and not that great most of the season last year).

I think there are just probably more productive discussions about what it is that's making the team bad or good and making the changes that maximize it.

Unless you've got stats on franchise players retention rates at free agency relative to the teams past record/championship history, there's not much that's really to be gained by hemming and hawing about it.

by dontEATnachos on May 26, 2007 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions

So you were appointed

Who and what is discussed?
I have a stat. That is 100% bullshit.
For all the talk about how great this board is you two have brought it down a notch with your "My comment can beat up your comment" crap.

Don't worry. I'll watch and make sure every one of your comments include stats as to not allow too much hemming and hawing.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Let me agree with your original point....

....that if this team falls to the level of crapitude we've seen so far this year, one must be concerned with the possibility that AP leaves for a team with a strong chance to make the playoffs consistantly. I believe your point is that the Birds need to address this now and not stick their head in the sand. I agree. I don't believe AP gives the Birds a 5 year pass like many fans will.

by Ignatius J Reilly on May 26, 2007 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions

speigner

is he the illegitamte son of joe girardi?

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 26, 2007 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

You watching the Phils and Braves too?

I thought our pitching was bad.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

no i just noticed

tonigths SP forWA looks like Joe girardis long lost son

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 26, 2007 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

wow

And, holy crap, you're right. That's almost scary.

I'm watching PHI @ ATL. Edgar just hit his seventh HR. I miss him.

by cardsgirlinAR on May 26, 2007 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

What a league change can do...

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry. He was interviewing some guy in the booth.

Thought that was who you where talking about.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

i wonder if reyes can relate to this guy

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_5991874

"Twins pitching prospect Matt Garza said he has struggled in 2007 largely because of pressure to throw more off-speed pitches and because of lingering disappointment over not making the big-league team out of spring training.

The Twins sent Garza back to Class AAA in March, saying the right-hander, who has a dominant fastball, needed to throw all of his pitches for strikes. Garza, 2-4 with a 3.49 earned run average in nine starts for Rochester, N.Y., said he complied with the Twins' instructions and his results have suffered because of it.

Now, Garza said, he's going back to throwing the way he wants to."

by lboros on May 26, 2007 6:49 PM EDT reply actions

Not to entirely dismiss...

the argument that the Cardinals are at fault for Reyes' poor performance, but at what point is the player responsible for the outcome? It seems to me his biggest problem - aside from pitch to contact meddling - is that his bread and butter change up often malfunctions, even when he tries to set it up by throwing the four seamer. Maybe this kid isn't all you imagined him to be...

by guayzimi on May 26, 2007 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly

Pitch selection isn't what is getting hit, perhaps it is pitch execution? At what point, if the team is deadset on you throwing these pitches do you have to actually get better at it?

We aren't very good.

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I shake my head when I read this stuff

I think many sports (specifically baseball and football come to mind) over analyze every aspect of every aspect. Guys are more injury prone, not to mention everything else.

60 years ago (and longer) pitchers threw all the time and they threw how they wanted (pitches and mechanics) and you had guys set all-time records that will never be touched again. Sure, you're going to lose some guys due to injury if you over use them, but you might also turn a potential great pitcher into Kip Wells.

I also see it in our hitters. Seems to me they rely way too much on video.

When they see a rookie pitcher, or a pitcher they've never faced, they almost always make the guy look like Cy Young. It's like if they don't see what they've planned for, they shit the bed and can't adjust.

Which is why guys like Edmonds have actually succeeded. Also, Duncan. They're very similar in their approach. Neither out-think anyone. They just use their God-given talent. Sure, they strike out every once in a while, but how many times have you seen them (especially Edmonds) hit a bomb off of a guy who's making the entire lineup look stupid?

Anyway, sorry for the rant. That post just kinda got me going on a subject that's been rubbin' me for quite some time.

by Big Red on May 26, 2007 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I firmly believe that if

Anthony pumped in the heat, kept changing the batters eye line by throwing it up and in the bottom of the strike zone. that he would be really really secessful. he needs to stop messing with the curver ball, mostly throwing the change up to complement his fast ball. he'd be just as good as he was in the minors.

the question is why does the team keep forcing him to throw against his strenghts? I can't understand why a pitching coach as great is Dave is wasting such a great talent as Anthony. I think that's why every one is so upset. we all know what Anthony can do. but to see him pitch the exact opposite way he should, and failing badly at it, we just don't understand why the team keeps making him pitch like that.

what's the deffination of insanity? repeting a action over and over again, all the while expecting different results. well, that's exactly what the Cards are doing with Anthony.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 6:54 PM EDT reply actions

Perhaps they want him to throw at a lesser

velocity because pitchers who use the 'W' form, usually wear down around 160 innings or so.

That wouldn't exactly explain the overuse of the curveball, though.

We aren't very good.

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Cardinals lineup tonight

D. Eckstein ss
C. Duncan lf
A. Pujols 1b
S. Spiezio rf
S. Rolen 3b
J. Edmonds cf
Y. Molina c
A. Kennedy 2b
B. Thompson p

Spiezio in RF defensively scares me, but he can't be worse the Juan was last night.

We aren't very good.

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 7:01 PM EDT reply actions

AP looked good his first AB...

...for as hard as the Birds are hitting the ball they need to score.

by Ignatius J Reilly on May 26, 2007 7:37 PM EDT reply actions

uh-oh

a hit in his next AB and he'll take the batting title from yadi!

by tomsteele on May 26, 2007 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

JIMMY!!!

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on May 26, 2007 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

what a relief

It's weird, lately I've gotten less and less sure of the Cardinals scoring the more men they put on base.

by DanUpBaby on May 26, 2007 7:42 PM EDT reply actions

Ah, a big two-out base hit....

Nice to see. Those have been hard to come by this year.

by BTown Birds fan on May 26, 2007 7:43 PM EDT reply actions

Regarding the convo earlier about Edmonds:

That's how he's "coming around" . . .

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 26, 2007 7:43 PM EDT reply actions

just what the Dr ordered Jimmy!

way to just take what he gave you. that's what they call not trying to do too much.

come on brad! throw your sinker low and shut them down the rest of the game.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

Edmonds with the 2 out rbi...

Molina with the groundout to end the threat...

Things are finally getting back to normal.

by guayzimi on May 26, 2007 7:45 PM EDT reply actions

then yadi makes an error

hold that thought

RIP: Jack Buck, DK57 & JH32

by gibbons on May 26, 2007 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Rolen

has anyone else noticed how much more he's walking than the beginning of the season?

Maybe he was too anxious earlier on, and swinging at bad pitches . . .

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 26, 2007 7:46 PM EDT reply actions

He's also still missing

pitches he should crush. He is having good ABs, but they are be prolonged by not killing ones he used to.

We aren't very good.

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Well yeah

but I'll take one positive at a time.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 26, 2007 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

like that pitch right there

he should have killed that. but yet it was just a long fly to the warning track.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions

nor just rolen...

The whole lineup was pretty starved for walks, except Yadier and Duncan, until that series in LA. The whole offense seems to have turned around since then, and a willingness to wait for good pitches is a huge part of it IMO.

by taiko on May 27, 2007 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Brad Thompson

major league starter?

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 26, 2007 8:05 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe

but he's thrown 54 pitches thru 3 innings.

But, yeah, I was wondering the same thing as well. He's struggled in the pen, and had really good success in the minors as a starter. He holds that scoreless innings record down there as well.

Maybe the guy is just more comfortable starting?

by Big Red on May 26, 2007 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions

He is

The fact that he patterns his approach on Maddux really does show. Just pour in the strikes low in the zone. Makes the hitters start swinging early figuring they are getting a strike.

Comfortable outs from the hitters.

by DriverZn on May 26, 2007 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions

this ump calls anything outside a strike

yet most inside pitches are balls.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:08 PM EDT reply actions

EASY big man!

nice hustle, but don't hurt yourself Albert.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:09 PM EDT reply actions

Was Kearns just completely asleep there?

by BTown Birds fan on May 26, 2007 8:10 PM EDT reply actions

you have to assume

Pujols is going to try to take a base every time.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 26, 2007 8:11 PM EDT reply actions

at the very least

he's definitely coming around.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 26, 2007 8:13 PM EDT reply actions

Another big two out hit from Jimmy!

It sure is nice to really have fun listening to games.

by BTown Birds fan on May 26, 2007 8:13 PM EDT reply actions

now that's Cardinals baseball

hustle and two out clutch hits with a runner on third.

which is exactly why Juan has the day off. Tony called him out for not going to third last night. hope he taking notes and watching how Albert runs the bases.

great hit Jimmy. just what the Cards needed. great job man.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:16 PM EDT reply actions

That was rough

watching the opposing pitcher trying to make an out and Brad seemingly not wanting to allow him to do it.

by Big Red on May 26, 2007 8:24 PM EDT reply actions

MV2?

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 26, 2007 8:25 PM EDT reply actions

3

put Molina on the list.

by Big Red on May 26, 2007 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

the lil' fella needs an RBI right here

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:29 PM EDT reply actions

YES!

nice job ECK!

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

nice walk

that's exactly what the Cards want. men on in front of Albert. come on Albert!

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

Ignore the open base!

Throw a strike, damn you, a strike.

by BTown Birds fan on May 26, 2007 8:37 PM EDT reply actions

Or put him on.

C'mon, Speezer!

by BTown Birds fan on May 26, 2007 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions

magic stick time

lets go Imperial!

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:37 PM EDT reply actions

wow

I don't even know what to say. just wow.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 26, 2007 8:38 PM EDT reply actions

please explain!

gameday has no wow setting :(

by tomsteele on May 26, 2007 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions

wow

Speez hit it right at Dmitri, who thought he had caught the ball, but wasn't sure. Pujols wasn't sure either, so he kind of hung around first. umpire ruled it a trap, and Eck was hustling home. Dmitri threw home to try to get the force and Eck beat the throw. catch or not catch, it should have been an easy double play but instead a run scores and no one is called out.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 26, 2007 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Liner to 1st

Young "thought" it caught it but ump ruled no catch. Young then held ball looking confused and threw to home too late to get Eck. Run scores everyone safe.

by saladdin69 on May 26, 2007 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

hooray

thanks, guys

by tomsteele on May 26, 2007 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

spezio hit a low line drive

to first with the bases loaded. It appear Demitri Young caught the ball just before it hit the ground, but the umpire ruled it a "trapped ball" and everyone was, at that point, safe. He hesitated and threw home, but to no avail as eckstein hustled in a run. bases still loaded, with spezio on first and safe and still only one out.

RIP: Jack Buck, DK57 & JH32

by gibbons on May 26, 2007 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

speezer lined it to first

big D tried to tell the ump he caught it. but the ump said right away he trapped it. every one froze. ECK ran home, big D threw home but late, ECK scores, every one safe. bases still loaded.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Sinking line drive to the ...

...first baseman that he, AP, Eck and well everyone else thought was caught. You had all 3 baserunners freeze then retreat to their base, meanwhile the 1B ump sigles safe, i.e., the ball was trapped, so everyone takes off running and Eck beats the throw home. Run scores, bases remain loaded.

by Ignatius J Reilly on May 26, 2007 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow. That must have looked interesting.

OK, Rolen, no pop-ups....

by BTown Birds fan on May 26, 2007 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

thank you big D.

every one froze on that one. that was weird.

alright Rolen. let's do some damage here ok?

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

come pn scotty

hit a deep pop up

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 26, 2007 8:41 PM EDT reply actions

Damn, this is fun!

by BTown Birds fan on May 26, 2007 8:44 PM EDT reply actions

YES SCOTTY!!

about freakin time you showed up!

big double man. big double.

keep it going Jimmy!

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 8:44 PM EDT reply actions

When...

was the last time we sent 9 men to the plate???

Summoning the Spirit of Jack Clark!

by Big Mike on May 26, 2007 8:45 PM EDT reply actions

it's like

I woke up this morning and it was 2004 again. only there's some guy on the team that looks a lot like the guy for the Mariners that sucks... except he doesn't suck.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 26, 2007 8:45 PM EDT reply actions

Strike that!

10 men to the plate?

Summoning the Spirit of Jack Clark!

by Big Mike on May 26, 2007 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

strike that!

11!

by tomsteele on May 26, 2007 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions

11 men to the plate?

I didn't wake up this morning or something.

Summoning the Spirit of Jack Clark!

by Big Mike on May 26, 2007 8:49 PM EDT reply actions

If Thompson goes long here

drinks are on me.

by BTown Birds fan on May 26, 2007 8:49 PM EDT reply actions

rain, rain, go away, come again after ....

...the top of the 5th is completed.

by Ignatius J Reilly on May 26, 2007 8:50 PM EDT reply actions

it's official

let it rain.

well, on second thought, don't. I don't want to end up watching Pittsburgh/Cincinnati

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 26, 2007 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Downpour just went thru Clayton

They'll need the tarp, but hopefully not long.

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on May 26, 2007 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions

you can hear the thunder

on the FSN Midwest broadcast. wheeee.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 26, 2007 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

no

that's Wellemeyer in the pen.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 26, 2007 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions

too bad

for Joe Girardis son...i really like Joe

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 26, 2007 8:52 PM EDT reply actions

Dunk-a-lunk?

Nice play, big man.

by mojowo11 on May 26, 2007 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

help

Sorry to stop the game talk for a second guys. Does anyone know that site that has the list of internet radio stations, that will allow me to listen to the cards online for free?

by stevoca03 on May 26, 2007 9:18 PM EDT reply actions

hell of a catch

did Brad get caught watching the scoreboard? seemed like he stopped going after hitters.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 26, 2007 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

wow way to help em

that picth was way out of the zone according to gameday

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 26, 2007 9:27 PM EDT reply actions

I sure wish we did not stop hittin after the 5 run

4th inning. I'd like to see the offense play a full 9

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on May 26, 2007 9:41 PM EDT reply actions

9th E for ECK

correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't he have 9 all of last year?

dang, that ball just kept going, and going and going. stop the scoring here frank. i know you're sick, but stop them now.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 9:52 PM EDT reply actions

WOW,, Ray King is HUGE

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

what the heck??

Speezer that's YOUR BALL!!

this is nuts. this game should be over.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 10:08 PM EDT reply actions

Rain Delay

Ugh. Would have been nice to have converted any of those easy third outs.

by liam on May 26, 2007 10:13 PM EDT reply actions

This game

has gone on a few minutes longer than it had to...

by Petkovsek on May 26, 2007 10:15 PM EDT reply actions

it's going to rain all freakin night.

ksdk radar shows rain all over the place.

just call it now. it's over. PLEASE

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

This is going to be a long night

maybe if Manny Acta didn't waste our time acting like a little girl getting in an argument with the umpire and taking 5 minutes to send in a pinch runner for Delmon's older brother, this thing would be over.

We aren't very good.

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

At least

we get to see the Cap Dance...and the wonderful talents of Andy Benes.

by player2bnamedl8r on May 26, 2007 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't

Extra Innings cut to the 'schedule' screen.

Please keep me updated with a 10 minute warning of when this game is going to restart for anyone that is watching FSN Midwest.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions

That's strange...

I'm watching on the MLB Extra Innings channel instead of FSN Midwest (they're showing the FSMW feed), and I'm seeing the rain delay programming, currently Cardinals Crew.

by player2bnamedl8r on May 26, 2007 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I've got Comcast

maybe you are on DirectTV?

Remember, MLB bent over backwards for them for no reason, so maybe they gave them the postgame stuff too.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions

DirectTV

has always had the rain delay footage. But 99% of the time they stop the feed within a minute or two of the game concluding. I've even seen them cut it off the 2nd someone steps on the bag for the last out.

by outraged on May 26, 2007 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, Hardcore

I have DirecTV. Guess that's the difference.

Assuming the game gets restarted at a decent time, I'll give you a 10-minute warning.

by player2bnamedl8r on May 26, 2007 10:43 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks alot

I appreciate it.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Im not watching, anyone have delay updates?

Thanks yos

by Jonathan23 on May 26, 2007 10:44 PM EDT reply actions

Nothing yet

on the television broadcast. Anyone have any updates from radio?

by player2bnamedl8r on May 26, 2007 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Be worried

The Nationals have done this once already this season.

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd=20070512&content_id=1961623&vkey=wrapu p2005&fext=.jsp&team=home

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on May 26, 2007 10:47 PM EDT reply actions

How long has the delay been?

Just got back from the store

by stltrav09 on May 26, 2007 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

3 pallets of Diamond Dust

and they still need more, according to Hungo.

Yikes.

Dan says it'll be awhile. I'd guess 30-45 minutes from now.

by player2bnamedl8r on May 26, 2007 11:01 PM EDT reply actions

What's it looking like as of now?

I need to take a shower. Have enough time?

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 26, 2007 11:15 PM EDT reply actions

I think so

They've still got rain delay programming...

by player2bnamedl8r on May 26, 2007 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Long ways away

according to the FSMW crew...

Tarp still on the field.

by player2bnamedl8r on May 26, 2007 11:29 PM EDT reply actions

I'm calling it a night...

hopefully someone a little less tired can update the rain delay status...

by player2bnamedl8r on May 26, 2007 11:36 PM EDT reply actions

Radio update

Says grounds crew are going to try to take the tarp off in about 10 minutes, with another 15 minutes or so to get the field ready. So, probably another 30 minutes or so.

by cardsgirlinAR on May 26, 2007 11:36 PM EDT reply actions

stinking pen

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 26, 2007 11:51 PM EDT reply actions

Game's back

Izzy's throwing warm-up pitches.

by cardsgirlinAR on May 26, 2007 11:53 PM EDT reply actions

and thats a winner

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines

by RosevilleRedbird on May 26, 2007 11:57 PM EDT reply actions

haha

that was anti-climactic.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 26, 2007 11:57 PM EDT reply actions

Good one

shouldn't have been that close. I'll blame it on the rain.

by Big Red on May 26, 2007 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

And That's A Winner!

about freakin time too, no thanks to manny.

good game gets. good game. now go out and get the series win tomorrow.

The 2007 St.Louis Cardinals. Not Your Father's 04-05 Cardinals. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 26, 2007 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

Never easy...

by guayzimi on May 26, 2007 11:59 PM EDT reply actions

Loved Edmonds bearhug of Eckstein

after the final out, as if they had some huge accomplishment finishing that game.

Rain in the forecast for tomorrow, here's hoping they can get the game in.

Astros lose 5-4 to DBacks.
Brewers losing 4-2 in the 8th @ San Diego.

Everything holds, we leap frog Houston and are 6.5 games out of first.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on May 27, 2007 12:15 AM EDT reply actions

For those with FSMW

They're playing the Wichita State Shockers (snicker) vs. Creighton game... Switch-pitching Pat Venditte Jr. is starting the game for Creighton.

Worth checking out.

by liam on May 27, 2007 12:44 AM EDT reply actions

Chris Duncan's catch in LF

#1 Webgem tonight.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on May 27, 2007 1:28 AM EDT reply actions

A thing of beauty

His line to the catch was perfectly straight and he was running at full speed the whole time and then the final push ... pretty amazing.

Of course, the fact that he couldn't catch a routine pop fly earlier in the inning is pretty annoying. I'm loving actually being able to watch these couple games (even if I do have to listen to ridiculous Nats commentators).

by dontEATnachos on May 27, 2007 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Can't really blame him for missing the other one

he never saw it off the bat and with the strange weather conditions, who knows what kind of cloud color he lost it into.

The moment it was hit towards him, he held up his arms saying he couldn't see it. Eckstein should have given him more help at that moment.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on May 27, 2007 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Cutting him slack

I guess you're right. I was just looking at his fielding stats and they have him with an error and a .986 fielding percentage. That seems to be not too bad for most NL starting outfielders.

I've just always been under the impression that he loses too many fly balls (whether it's the sun or lights or whatever). Still, his stats don't really support that he's any worse than most.

by dontEATnachos on May 27, 2007 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions